PUBLIC MEETINGS ON WEAKFISH OCTOBER 7 & 16

For more information contact:
Bruce Freeman at 609-292-2083

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife will host two public meetings regarding the ASMFC's recently released Draft Amendment 4 to the Weakfish Fishery Management Plan. Meetings are scheduled for October 7 in Cumberland County and October 16 in Ocean County. Public meetings are also scheduled for New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and Florida.

October 16, 7 p.m.
Ocean County Administration Building
101 Hooper Avenue
Toms River

The Draft Amendment proposes a number of changes to the current weakfish management program under Amendment 3. These include a revised over-fishing definition; new schedules for stock rebuilding and options for data monitoring requirements. The ASMFC and the states are particularly interested in obtaining public comment on management measures pertaining to the recreational fishery and by-catch provisions for the commercial fishery.

The Draft Amendment can be obtained by contacting the ASMFC office at (202) 289-6400 or by visiting their website at www.asmfc.org. Fishermen and other interested groups are encouraged to provide input on the Draft Amendment, either through attending public hearings or providing written comments. Written comment will be accepted until October 31 and should be submitted to Carrie Selberg, Weakfish FMP Coordinator, 1444 Eye Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20005; (202) 289-6051 (fax) or cselberg@asmfc.org.